* Because of muddle-headed mumbo-jumbo called "realpolitik"? For just two examples, I mean the stuff which advises that "India must refrain from going overboard in its support for the Tibetan protests lest this issue upset broader relations with China", and which also advises that "It is not in India's interests to antagonise China, a more powerful neighbouring state."

* Because … well, you take your pick.

We gave the Tibetans shelter when they fled from the excesses of China. Now we arrest them when Chinese premiers come visiting.

Seven years ago, I wrote more or less the following three paras. They seem to apply today.

Apparently, the equation is simple. China recognizes our annexure of Sikkim. In return we will be silent on Tibet. (What's the difference, I'd like to know, between them going into Tibet and us going into Sikkim?)

And sure enough, that's just what has happened. With a certain glee, our press reports that Wen brought with him a map acknowledging our claim on Sikkim. And in return for that measly crumb, we are craven enough to shut up on Tibet.

Fortunately, there are Tenzins out there who are neither as craven nor as willing to shut up, arrest or no arrest. Power to your flag, Tenzin. Know this much: you inspire.

13 comments:

Chandru K
said...

Big difference between Sikkim joining India, and Tibet being conquered by China. And I've already stated the difference. There was a popular vote in Sikkim for accession to India. There was no invasion or forcing people into foreign countries( China?) as refugees. Whereas Tibetans did flee their homeland and become refugees in India. Where are the Sikkimese refugees and equivalents of Dalai Lama in China, or anywhere, yearning to return to their democratic homeland. The comparison is perverse.

It is a shame that free speech and the right to protest (which is the very reason for an independent India) are so easily trampled upon when they become inconvenient for politicians. None of them seem to have even an ounce of integrity.

interesting to see your comments regarding people being 'too frightened' to use their name. I always thought it was more important to challenge an idea rather than the person who was proposing it. What do you plan on doing with a person's identity once they tell you who they are? Report them to the authorities if you don't like what they say? Or put them on some kind of a blacklist like the repressive regimes of the day?

Well I agree with Chandru K and feel that Dilip's fear of India taking a soft approach is also true. China has always been the bigger threat to us than our other poor neighbor. China's clams over Arunachal are proof of that and the way chines are building up infrastructure on boarders and linking them up with Pakistan.

Its all due to our country's political decisions that we make and yes also due to decisions we fail to make... Instead of seeing a good future of our country all politician are busy seeing their own futures.